FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Learn more about Laser Safety regulations and training

What is a Laser Safety Officer (LSO)?

A LSO is one person in the organization who is responsible for the Laser Safety Program of the facility. This person must have the proper training and experience to administer the program, and ensure all staff who operate lasers have completed and maintained their Laser Safety Training.

Why do I have to take a laser safety training course?

If you have a Class 3b or Class 4 laser on your premises, Laser Safety Training is required by all users and operators and an LSO must be appointed.

I don’t know if the laser I operate is a Class 3b or Class 4 laser?

If you are offering cosmetic laser treatments, using lasers in the operating room, or cutting steel with lasers…chances are you are using a Class 3b or Class 4 laser. The easiest way to find out is to look at the warning sticker on the back of your equipment. All lasers sold in Canada must have this sticker on the back with its classification stated.

What would my responsibilities as a Laser Safety Officer be?

Listed below are specific responsibilities of an LSO as outlined in the ANSI Z136.1-2014 American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers.

– Safety Program: The LSO shall establish and maintain adequate policies and procedures for the control of laser hazards. These policies and procedures shall comply with applicable requirements and local regulations.

– Classification: The LSO shall classify, or verify classifications of lasers and laser systems used under the LSO’s jurisdiction.

– Hazard Evaluation: The LSO shall be responsible for hazard evaluation of laser work areas, including the establishment of Nominal Hazard Zones (NHZ).

– Control Measures: The LSO shall be responsible for ensuring that the prescribed control measures are implemented and maintained in effect. This includes avoiding unnecessary or duplicate controls, and recommending or approving substitute or alternate control measures when the primary ones are not feasible or practical.

– Procedural Approvals: The LSO shall approve Class 3B and Class 4 standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other procedures that may be part of the requirements for administrative and procedural controls.

– Protective Equipment: The LSO shall recommend or approve protective equipment, such as eyewear, clothing, barriers and screens, that may be required to ensure personnel safety. The LSO shall ensure that protective equipment is audited periodically to assure proper working order.

– Signs and Labels: The LSO shall review the wording on area warning signs and equipment labels.

– Facility and Equipment: The LSO shall review Class 3B and Class 4 laser installations, facilities and laser equipment prior to use. This also applies to modification of existing facilities or equipment.

– Training: The LSO shall ensure that adequate safety education and training are provided to laser personnel, and all training activities shall be documented and retained on file.

– Records: The LSO shall ensure that the necessary records required by applicable
government regulations are maintained.

– Audits, Surveys and Inspections: The LSO shall periodically audit or survey by inspection for the presence and functionality of the laser safety features and control measures required for each Class 3B and Class 4 laser or laser system in the laser facilities.

– Accidents: The LSO should develop a plan to respond to notifications of incidents of actual or suspected exposure to potentially harmful laser radiation.

– Approval of Laser System Operations: Approval of a Class 3B or Class 4 laser or laser system for operation shall be given only if the LSO is satisfied that laser hazard control measures are adequate. These include SOPs for maintenance and service operations within enclosed systems and operation procedures for Class 3B and Class 4 laser systems. The procedures should include adequate consideration of safety from non-beam hazards.

1Responsibilities of an LSO reproduced in part from ANSI Z136.1-2014 American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers, Appendix A1.2. Copyright 2014, Laser Institute of America, Orlando, FL. All rights reserved.

Who are the trainers?

Canadian Laser Safety has put together a group of educators who specialize in each of their fields. Each course is led by an industry leader, so that students can relate to on-the-job experiences and challenges.

How do I register?

Registration is quick and easy. Simply choose the course which is pertinent to your industry by clicking on this link and following the steps. You will receive a confirmation email shortly afterwards.

What are your cancellation policies?

You may cancel your registration 14 days prior to course start date and receive a refund less $150 administration fee. If you must cancel within the 14 days prior to course beginning, Canadian Laser Safety will not issue a refund, however you can re-schedule for a future course within the next 12 months. Failure to give notification prior to course start date will result in forfeit of the entire course fee. We reserve the right to reschedule or cancel a course date with 14 days notice. If Canadian Laser Safety is forced to cancel a course all registrants will receive a full refund.